Arsenal handed Wilshere fitness boost

Arsenal have been given an injury boost with the news that Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott could be back in the running for the game with Norwich on April 13.

Wilshere, 20, returned in October from a 17-month absence because of a stress fracture to the right foot and was recently given a three-week break to guard against a repeat of that injury.

The midfielder missed Arsenal's 2-0 win over Bayern Munich as they went out of the Champions League as well as England's World Cup qualifiers away to San Marino and Montenegro. However, while the weekend's trip to West Brom is too soon, assistant manager Steve Bould is confident that he and Walcott, who has been laid low with a groin injury, could be ready next week.

"We have good news with both of them," he said. "Jack and Theo are outside running, and have an outside chance of being involved against Norwich a week on Saturday.

"We just have Ryo [Miyaichi] and Abou [Diaby] out for the long-term so things are looking good in terms of availability."

There was also good news for defender Nacho Monreal, who is fit after hurting his knee trying to stop a goal against Reading. Bould added: "Nacho has recovered well from his knee problem from the impact of the post and has trained the last couple of days so is available for the weekend."